Nile to Headline Bangalore Open Air 2017

American death metallers Nile will make their India debut at Bangalore Open Air 2017.

The sixth edition of annual metal festival Bangalore Open Air will make sure one band keeps its promise to India. American death metal band Nile, who were scheduled to perform way back in 2012, will finally make their debut in the country on July 1st, headlining Bangalore Open Air.

Nile – best known for their walloping style of technical death metal fronted by vocalist-guitarist Karl Sanders and one of the world’s fastest drummers, George Kollias – will perform in India on the back of their eighth studio, 2015’s What Should Not Be Unearthed. Born in South Carolina, Nile’s discography and founding member Karl Sanders have been majorly inspired by ancient Egyptian history and Middle East culture for lyrics and themes.

The band was slated to make their India debut in May 2012, performing at Summer Blaze Festival in New Delhi and another show in Bengaluru, but had to back out after being denied visas several times. Sanders told Metal Assault in 2012, “We tried for our visa eight times, and each time they made us fill out the paperwork, and again, and again. So, we did everything they asked. It cost us money, rehearsal time, and time when we were out on tour in America, filling out visa forms all the time. It was a headache. So when it came down to the last minute, we were still keeping our hopes alive but finally it gets turned down the last time. They didn’t give any reason why they turned it down, because there was no reason to turn it down.”

It’s taken five years, but Nile are finally on their way to India for Bangalore Open Air, which also includes Swedish black metallers Marduk making their India debut. The full lineup is expected to be announced through May and June.

Bangalore Open Air 2017 takes place on July 1st at Royal Orchid Resort, Yelahanka. Tickets: Rs 2,000 (early bird) available here.